Claim For Hearing Loss & Tinnitus

[georgiapapa]

Hi,

I served with a U.S. Marine Corps artillery unit in Viet Nam in 1967 and 1968 and was exposed to the daily firing of 105 and 155 howitzers. We were not provided with hearing protection when firing the howitzers. I was also exposed to the noise of exploding mortars when we received incoming fire. During my stateside tour of duty with the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970, I was exposed to all types of weapons firing as are most Marines. When I was discharged from the Marine Corps, I was not given a hearing test as part of my exit physical. I knew shortly after my discharge from the Marine Corps that I had tinnitus and a hearing loss but I did not file a claim with the VA at that time because I was trying to get a job in law enforcement and I was worried this could keep me from getting the job.

I was employed with the U.S. Marshals Service from 1978 until my retirement in 2004. Fortunately when I was hired by the Marshals Service, I never received any type of stringent hearing tests. During my career with the U.S. Marshals, I never fired my weapon in the line of duty. However, we did qualify with our weapons once or twice a year. We always wore hearing protection during weapons qualifying.

In June 1981 I went to a local hearing doctor and had my hearing tested because my hearing was getting worse and tinnitus was driving me crazy. The doctor tested my hearing which showed I had a bilateral high frequency hearing loss which he said was noise induced. In his report, he noted my exposure to artillery fire in the Marine Corps. He also diagnosed me with tinnitus. The doctor suggested I use a white noise device to mask the tinnitus noise when sleeping. I purchased the device and have been using it ever since. The doctor I went to in 1981 has since died but I have a copy of his report and the audiologist who performed the hearing test is now a doctor and has started her own practice. My hearing has gotten worse over the years so I plan to make an appointment with the same audiologist to get a current report of my hearing. Since she will be aware of my earlier hearing test, I am hoping she will give me an IMO report stating my hearing loss and tinnitus were more than likely caused by my exposure to artillery and mortar fire in Vietnam.

Since so much time has passed and since I was employed with a law enforcement agency for a long period of time, I am concerned the VA will claim my hearing problems were caused by my age or my exposure to gun fire with the U.S. Marshals.

I have a photo of me firing a 105 howitzer in Vietnam. In the photo I was not wearing hearing protection. I also have a receipt from 1983 showing the purchase of one of my white noise devices used for masking tinnitus. My DD-214 and my other military records show my service in Vietnam and my assignment to an artillery unit and my MOS as a Field Artillery Batteryman.

I would like any input from other hadit members as to whether they think I would be successful in filing a claim for hearing loss and tinnitus at this late date and and with the knowledge I had worked for over 25 years in civilian law enforcement. I am currently receiving 10% VA disability for a shoulder injury I received in Vietnam in 1968 and I am in the process of filing a claim for Multiple Myeloma due to exposure to Agent Orange. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks...

[georgiapapa]

I just sent off a request yesterday to the National Personnel Records Center asking for copies of all of my service records including my medical records. Do I need to send another request somewhere else requesting my medical records? If so, please give me the info on how to request the medical records.

Thanks for your input.

Semper Fi.

If you have not sent off for copies of your service medical records you should do so. I did not remember my seperation phy. that I took in 69. My hearing has been terrible for years. My records showed 45-50 in the 4,000 and 6'000 db range in both ears. This is a moderate close to severe loss. At 22 I should not of had this type of damage as I joined the Marines fresh out of high school. I was not aware that you had to make a seperate request for you medical records until my son told me.

Semper Fi

[packrat]

They both come out of the same location. I still have the envelopes mine came in. If you requested medical also you should get them. I requested my records but did not specify medical also. I requested my medical at a later date. We were in country at the same time. I am just starting the process myself. I did take multiple hearing test over the years in my 30's and 40's at my place of work. I was always told my hearing was real bad and should see a Dr. The Company is closed now but I know the past personel director and she will remember my test as I was plant manager and they would kid me about it. I will asked her to send me a notorized letter and it may help me. Hadn't heard a bird chirp or a door hinge squeak for over 30 years until I got my aids. Did you know there is actually a tinkling sound when you take a leak? I spent over $4,000 on the hearing aids I have now and they are no longer sufficient. It's time for the eagle to crap as I am no longer willing to pay for the damage they have cost. Good luck and keep in touch.

[justrluk]

I'll add to the list - after 6 years I was rated 0% for hearing loss, and 10% for tinnitus. 10% is the max for tinnitus regardless of how it affects your life.

[carlie]

I spent over $4,000 on the hearing aids I have now and they are no longer sufficient. It's time for the eagle to crap as I am no longer willing to pay for the damage they have cost. Good luck and keep in touch.

packrat,

Being that you receive VA disability compensation at 10 % you are fully eligible for

VAMC audiology services to include hearing aid/s.

[georgiapapa]

Carlie,

I just sent in my informal notice to the VA for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus from my exposure to artillery in Vietnam. I had previously been told by a friend that I could get hearing aids from the VA if I had a service connected disability (for any reason) rated 10% or higher. However, last year I went to my local VA outpatient center and asked about hearing aids and was told I could not get them unless my disability was for hearing loss. I am wondering if I was given bad info at the VA outpatient center. My current scn disability is for a shoulder injury I received in Vietnam in 1968. Would I be eligible for an audiological exam and hearing aids prior to my claim being rated for my hearing loss and tinnitus?

Thanks...Georgia Papa

packrat,

Being that you receive VA disability compensation at 10 % you are fully eligible for

VAMC audiology services to include hearing aid/s.

[jbasser]

You qualify for Hearing aids from the VA. Whoever told you that you were not is full of crap. I hear this quite often. Call your Primary care team and request an consult with Audiology.

J